Spacewagon52

I like this piece:- It is finished with the most luxurious materials, but it is designed to age gracefully – and very, very slowly.

Brilliant Colin!

This one was for sale not long ago for £5000. I believe the selling price was much lower. He is trying to make a good profit here. Might be a dealer masking as a private seller. Interesting! On AutoTrader for £6995. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201508085895551?page=1&search-target=usedcars&channel=cars&radius=1500&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&sort=pricedesc&model=ls_400&postcode=ct146qb&make=lexus&logcode=p

We all have had, at some time, mechanical issues with our cars which really get us down, especially niggling little things that seem to annoy. But what if the “problem” is you? I have very recently been diagnosed with heart disease and would like to share my experience (so far) with you all, so that if the unfortunate happens to moi then this may be of help and reassurance (I hope as well!). I have just got home from a Coronary Artery By-Pass Graft (CABG) in St Thomas’ Hospital, London. My operation is more commonly known as a Triple By-Pass of the coronary arteries. The day after I bought my Lexus (no kidding) I was diagnosed! One of my concerns was how it would affect my ability to drive and whether I would be allowed to drive by the DVLA. So how will this impact on my driving? The short answer is that it depends! Please do not hold what I say as definite but check to make sure. I would be pleased to hear of anyone who has a view to the contrary. Heart Conditions 1) You must inform your insurance company if a medical practitioner says you must. It is also, I believe, safer to inform them anyway. If you do not inform them of any changes then in the event of an accident your policy could be void. 2) For quite a few heart conditions YOU DO NOT need to inform the DVLA This came as quite a surprise to me as this included by-pass surgery! Please see DVLA information sheet INF188/4 entitled “Car or motorcycle drivers with heart conditions: When you need to tell us about your condition” found on their website. This clearly states when you are able to drive with heart problems. My experience:- I was allowed to drive before my operation provided I met the conditions (see INF 188/4) of controlling the symptoms. After the operation I am not allowed to drive for at least 6 weeks and until my consultant says I am fit to drive after my check-up (6 weeks approx.) I informed both of my insurance companies. The “Post Office Car Insurance” said that was not an issue and when your surgeon gives you the go ahead to drive you may do so. No mention of an extra premium. Sure Thing! Insurance asked the same questions, “Do you need to inform the DVLA of your condition?” said the representative. “No but I have been told not to drive for 6 weeks after my operation.” I said. “May I ask what you operation was for?” said the representative. “Coronary Artery By-Pass Graft (CABG), I said. “Just wait a minute, sir,” came the reply. He was very surprised this condition was not notifiable. He checked with the underwriters of the insurance and they have taken me off the insurance until I am able to send them a letter from the surgeon stating that I am fit to drive. It is interesting to note how different insurance companies handle what is regarded as, a serious, yet medically routine operation. I will let you know how I get on after the check-up! So my poor Lexus must sit in the garage for 7 weeks …… unless my wife would like to take me out! Has anyone else had any experience with the DVLA / Insurance companies regarding medical issues?

That was brilliant! To watch that advert and think ......... yes ..............I have one of those! (Same smug voice as the narrator!)

I am inclined to agree! There is much more to car than MPG!

Must have given them food for thought? Who knows? Years ago they would have a public service announcement about driving laws and behaviour - it is about time they brought them back. Do any of you remember Cliff Michelmore and the programmes, "So you think you can drive?"

What happened when the Civic driver came back?

Manners and thoughtfulness are sadly in decline. We are living in a world of the ME culture - people with big elbows seem to get their way! There may be a good explanation (some sort of emergency?) why they parked in a disabled bay. Did the Civic have a disabled badge by any chance?

Love the pic!

I would take it on a motorway run at around 70mph and see what you get. Town driving drinks fuel.

This is worth checking so that you know you are under the REAL speed limit. It is just remembering what the difference is!!

Some lovely comments, they really made me smile. Once you are bitten by the Lexus experience (unless you are unlucky with reliability) you are SOLD on them. I always said I would own another one - one day - and now I have! I just love the quality of the engineering.

People don't believe you when you say you can get that sort of economy out of a 4.3 litre V8 - but you can!

Thanks! Very sad for that poor Lexus. That colour green is the ONLY LS 400 colour I do not like. Still a shame though..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-33775958 Cornwall gales. Mercedes?

I have a LS 400 Mk IV AND I am VERY satisfied! LOL!

Welcome! I think you will enjoy the Lexus experience!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NQyTJixs5M Speed does not really interest me but this bit of driving I found very entertaining.

Don't give up, just because one "expert" says it can't be fixed does not mean it is impossible. I do share your frustration but I am sure you will be able to solve the issue. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

That is good mpg for a V8 4.3 litre. If you just consider a 4 litre V8 you immediately think sub - 20's like Jags. My father-in-law was stopped by the police doing 90 mph in his Rover 3500 V8 - the officer was also driving a 3500S V8 Rover. "Good afternoon sir. Nice car," said the policeman. "I thought so until now!" he replied. "You know sir, they can be trained to do 70 mph." I digress!

The MkIV is (IMHO) a lovely looking car. Very understated but with real presence. It is not the exterior that is the best thing about RIO but the drive. Power, comfort, smoothness, refinement, luxury, opulence, warmth, softness .............. sorry have to go....... I am getting an erection!

Would you consider a People Carrier? Mitsubishi Grandis? Toyota Avensis Verso or Previa? With the Toyotas you can take out the seats and effectively have a van! Mercedes "R" Class? Plenty of room and all the rear (5) seats fold flat. Diesel with auto - but not very frugal. Just a thought.

Thank you very much for your comments. The sun was actually the flash on the camera!

No I have just got the car a fortnight ago. It was owned by a man in his 80's from new (he paid £48,000 for it in 1998) Came with his personalised plate. He has given up driving and it was his weekend car. I do not think anyone has been in the back! It came with sheepskin mats. Very pleased with it so far - everything seems to work.